It's a close Iron Bowl at the half

Auburn is leading the Iron Bowl 10-7 at the half, primarily because of a fast start, a couple of missed opportunities by Alabama and one tough quarterback in Brandon Cox.

The Tigers led 10-0, Alabama scored and threatened again, but a 44-yard field goal try by Leigh Tiffin missed and a John Parker Wilson pass to DJ Hall bounced off his hands into those of defensive back Jerraud Powers in the end zone.

That play came with just 17 seconds left in the half.

That Alabama drive was set up when Cox threw an interception into the waiting arms of Rolando McClain. Cox was hit on the throw and fell in pain. It looked as if he suffered a leg injury. But he was back on the field to take the final snap of the half.

The Tigers had the early momentum, but Alabama battled back to at least even terms on the Momentum-O-Rama in the second quarter.